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Reuters: From Barriers to Bridges: Transformation of the Ethiopia-Kenya Border Region

Consider this. The communities around the Kenya-Ethiopia border in Moyale-Borona area, have long been associated with internecine violence, extreme poverty, and environmental stress. These have led to disastrous societal consequences, including displacement, criminality and violent extremism.

The 2012-2013 intercommunal clashes in Moyale town, claimed the lives of over 200 people, destroyed thousands of properties, including schools and other social amenities. The region has been viewed as largely peripheral, both economically and politically, and therefore attracted limited public and private resources.

However, an innovative, comprehensive and integrated cross-border programme initiated by the Kenyan and Ethiopian governments, in partnership with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations (UN) is changing this narrative.

During the recent visit to Kenya by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, President Uhuru Kenyatta specifically mentioned, the Kenya-Ethiopia cross-border programme and noted the importance of this innovative area-based development programme, which he said has the potential of being replicated elsewhere.

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Before
moving to this new role I was UNFPA's (United Nations Population Fund)Representative to Kenya since April
10, 2014. My team and I are assisting efforts to reduce the unacceptably high
maternal deaths. We have put the spotlight on the well being and protection of
the adolescent girl. Efforts are on to help end child marriage, FGM, gender
based violence & ensure their human rights to achieve their full human
potential.

Prior to joining UNFPA I was the Chief
Diplomat and Head of Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization at the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC),
since June 2011.

Most of my career has been spent serving
in countries affected by conflicts and natural disasters. I have seen firsthand
human tragedies and triumphs, from which I have
learnt important lessons.

Before joining the IFRC, I had served with
the United Nations inPeace Keeping,UNICEFandUNOPSsince January 1997. I have lived and
worked in the US, Denmark, Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan, Jordan, Somalia, Kenya,
Sudan(Darfur), Indonesia, South Sudan, Bosnia & Herzegovina.

InSouth Sudan, I
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People's Liberation Army. This successful demobilization ofchild soldierswas attempted during an ongoing
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I have a Masters in Public Policy from the
Woodrow Wilson School for Public & International Affairs inPrinceton University,
USA.

Prior to joining the UN in January 1997, I
served in the Indian Army in a Special Forces unit. I was decorated for
gallantry during active service.

All press, interviews and mentioned can be
foundhere. All TV and
video interviews and speeches can be foundhere.

I am husband and a dad, I dote on my son.
I also enjoy running half marathons, biking, SCUBA diving, poetry, current
affairs and English literature. In the past he was also a keenhorseman and a parachutist.